Man arrested after carrying pellet gun at State Capitol

FOX 8 received this news release from Louisiana State Police Thursday evening:

Louisiana State Police have identified and arrested 32 year old Greenwell Springs resident Russell W. Vaughn as the individual who carried a gun to the top of the State Capitol steps yesterday morning.

On June 19, 2013 at approximately 11:15 am, Vaughn walked to the top of the State Capitol steps holding what officials believed to be a rifle. Senate security approached Vaughn outside of the State Capitol doors and ordered Vaughn to drop the rifle. Vaughn refused to put down the rifle and ignored all directives from security. The Senate security officer was able to secure the rifle, which turned out to be a BB/Pellet gun, before Vaughn fled the State Capitol grounds. Senate security was unable to detain or identify Vaughn before he fled in a black Chrysler 300.

On the morning of June 20, 2013, Vaughn was arrested on unrelated charges by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office. Shortly after Vaughn was arrested, LSP CIU investigators received an anonymous tip that Vaughn was involved in the State Capitol incident.

LSP CIU investigators verified that Vaughn owns a black Chrysler 300 before they questioned him in connection with the State Capitol incident. During questioning, Vaughn made incriminating statements to investigators. LSP CIU Investigators conferred with the EBR District Attorney's office before Vaughn was charged with Resisting Arrest.

The Louisiana State Police will continue to review all security measures currently in place at the State Capitol.